Golden State need to shed approximately $1.2 million to avoid paying any luxury tax and per Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury News, the team cut $1.5 million as a result these two trades:

Point guard Charles Jenkins, who started several games as a rookie and proved reliable, was shipped to Philadelphia, according to sources. Tyler, the former high school prodigy who barely got off the bench in one-plus seasons, is head to Atlanta.

The salary dumps, which occurred just before the deadline, cut more than $1.5 million off the Warriors’ salary cap figure. The Warriors needed to trim $1.2 million to avoid paying the luxury tax penalty.

But this deal was less about saving the $1 million now and buying the Warriors time in the future. Golden State is resigned to being a tax team. Having already committed to an expensive core, management is prepared to go over the tax to upgrade the talent. Getting under now means they can go over the tax next season and not incur the harsh penalties for being a repeat offender.

Basically, the Warriors want to save their go-over-the-tax card until it really matters. Going over the tax to keep Jenkins, Tyler and rookie guard Kent Bazemore turned out to be not worth it for Golden State.

Though the Warriors are committed to being a tax-paying team, this deal allows them to prolong the inevitable. In the age of a supremely harsh CBA, that's a good thing. It helps Golden State avert the dreaded "repeater's tax" and ensures the franchise isn't paying larger sums of money until it absolutely has to.

---End of update---

Leandro Barbosa and Jason Collins part of Jordan Crawford trade

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 4:00 p.m. ET by Dan Favale

David Aldridge of NBA.com previously reported that the Boston Celtics traded for Jordan Crawford from the Washington Wizards. Though Fab Melo was originally who the Celtics were dangling, Aldridge reports that Boston will be sending Jason Collins and the injured Leandro Barbosa instead.

David Aldridge @daldridgetnt

Wizards/Celts deal sending Jordan Crawford to Boston will not be for C Fab Melo, per source. Teams still working.

If Martin pans out, he diminishes the urgency behind the current absences of both Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace.

Moving along to the Thunder, they get an exceptional perimeter defender in Brewer, albeit one who has struggled this season.

Think of Brewer as a Thabo Sefolosha-type wing, just with an uglier jumpshot.

---End of update---

Thunder trade Eric Maynor to Blazers

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. ET by Dan Favale

According Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears, the Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Eric Maynor to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the draft rights to Giorgio Printezis and a trade exception.

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojVerticalNBA

Blazers will send the draft rights of Giorgio Printezis to the Thunder as part of the Eric Maynor deal, source tells Y!

Warrick on the Magic appeared to be a good fit, but per Sam Amick of USA Today, Orlando's plan is to waive him. Personally, I consider that a shame, but the Magic do have younger prospects who need the playing time more than the athletic Warrick.

Sam Amick @sam_amick

The Magic are expected to waive Hakim Warrick, who they received in the deal with Charlotte that sent Josh McRoberts to Bobcats.

At 7'2", 265-pounds, Haddadi is a beast in size, but not so much on the court.

With Toronto in need of some additional playmaking following the departure of Jose Calderon, you have to like the Telfair acquisition.

The hope will be that he should flourish alongside weapons he hasn't had in Phoenix. And after being superseded by rookie Kendall Marshall, you'd have to believe that Telfair is motivated to prove himself again.

---End of update---

Dexter Pittman headed to the Grizzlies

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 1:55 p.m. ET by Dan Favale

Well, that didn't take long.

Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpearsESPN

Heat has agreed to send forward-center Dexter Pittman and a second round pick to the Grizzlies for a trade exception, sources tell Y! Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks appeared to have the edge earlier, but the Suns are about as desperate as anyone to acquire a star. Not to mention that if I'm the Atlanta Hawks, I'm more interested in a package built around Marcin Gortat than one that may or may not be built around Monta Ellis.

Color me confused there, because I don't see how the Atlanta Hawks would accept a package without him (or Brandon Jennings).

Let's see how this one plays out.

---End of update---

Iman Shumpert to stay put?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 11:10 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

The New York Knicks have been listening to offers for Iman Shumpert but don't appear poised to make a move.

According to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld, we shouldn't be surprised to see Shump remain in orange and blue after the trade deadline:

Don’t be surprised if the trade deadline passes today and Iman Shumpert is still a member of the New York Knicks.

The Knicks have been listening to offers for Shumpert and have been linked to veterans such as J.J. Redick of the Orlando Magic and Jared Dudley of the Phoenix Suns, but there’s no guarantee that they’re going to trade the second-year guard.

Sources close to the situation say that talks with the Magic regarding a Redick for Shumpert deal have all but died. In addition, several sources from teams pursuing Shumpert have said that they believe New York will hold onto him for now.

Still on his rookie deal, it would be difficult for the Knicks to land a J.J. Redick or Jared Dudley without the other team taking back another contract or even two.

Given what Shumpert stands to mean from a defensive standpoint as well, it makes sense for New York to stand pat at the moment and re-evaluate his situation over the summer.

---End of update---

Bucks growing confident that they'll land Josh Smith?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 10:35 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

Could Josh Smith and J.J. Redick be headed to the Milwaukee Bucks?

According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, the Bucks "keep upping the ante" in their pursuit of Redick, which seems to imply they're confident in landing Smith.

Ken Berger @KBergNBA

Bucks "keep upping the ante" in pursuit of J.J. Redick, source says. Could mean confidence growing that they will land Josh Smith.

Moving right along to Augustin, he hasn't been the asset he was supposed to be off the bench for the Indiana Pacers. As a crafty point guard who easily catches fire, though, he could be of some value for teams hoping to inject some instant production into their second unit.

As for the Golden State Warriors, I'm not sure which of their bench players they're realistically looking to move. They'd love to get rid of Andris Biedrins, but nobody wants him.

Don't sleep on the Warriors, though. They've had a rough patch of games and could look to make any sort of move they believe shores up their rotation.

---End of update---

No takers for Eric Maynor

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 10:10 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to shop point guard Eric Maynor, but have yet to find any viable suitors.

Per Sam Amick of USA Today, the Thunder are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for his services, a requirement that has yet to be satisfied.

Sam Amick @sam_amick

Oklahoma City has been seeking first-rounder for PG Eric Maynor, but no takers so far.

Los Angeles would clearly like to open up some roster spots and perhaps shed some payroll, but that's easier said than done.

Both Morris and Ebanks don't make too much money, so they could be easy to move. Blake and Duhon, however, each have another year worth a few million dollars left on their contracts, so they will be more difficult to pawn off.

As always, keep your eyes on the Lakers. They're no stranger to surprises.

---End of update---

Blazers can't find a taker for J.J. Hickson?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 9:55 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

J.J. Hickson is one of just 10 NBA players averaging at least 10 points and 10 rebounds a game, yet the Portland Trail Blazers are actually struggling to move him.

Per Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, Portland is looking for a first-rounder in exchange for Hickson, a search that has proved fruitless thus far.

Ken Berger @KBergNBA

Portland's effort to find a first-round pick for J.J. Hickson "doesn't look good right now," league source says.

Even if the Blazers find a team willing to hand over a first-round pick, there's no guarantee a deal can be made. Hickson has the right to veto any trade and given that his bird rights become null and void once he's moved, there's a strong possibly he would decline any moves.

Hickson is a ferocious rebounder and solid post scorer, and at this point, it's likely those talents of his remain in Portland.

---End of update---

The field for J.J. Redick is thickening

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 9:50 ET by Dan Favale

The "will they or won't they" game continues to played with the Orlando Magic and J.J. Redick.

It remains unclear whether or not the Magic will move the guard by the deadline, but as Chris Broussard of ESPN.com reports, there remains a number of teams interested in striking a deal.

Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard

Indiana, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Washington all showing interests in JJ Redick

With so many teams clamoring for an opportunity to land Redick, one has to believe that at least one of the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers will meet the Magic's asking price.

The question, though, remains: Will they, or won't they?

---End of update---

Beno Udrih to Mavericks?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 9:45 ET by Dan Favale

According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks have had discussions about a deal that would send point guard Beno Udrih to Big D.

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine

Trade to watch: Udrih-to-Dallas in play but Beno won't be dealt on own til end of deadline in case Bucks need him in bigger (JSmoove) deal

With the Mavericks in need of some help at the point, Udrih presents an intriguing option. He has the playmaking abilities necessary to be their primary floor general and his contract comes off the books after this season, so he wouldn't compromise Dallas' cap flexibility.

As Stein notes, however, don't expect the Bucks to make a move before knowing what's going on with Josh Smith.

They, like plenty of other teams, will wait for a resolution to that saga to present itself first.

---End of update---

Hawks not happy with deals for Josh Smith?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 9:35 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

Perhaps we shouldn't be fitting Josh Smith for another team's jersey just yet.

Sam Amick of USA Todayconfirmed an earlier report that the Houston Rockets were interested in the star forward, but also admitted the Atlanta Hawks have not been wowed by offers from any team.

Sam Amick @sam_amick

Considering Houston is, as I can confirm, engaged with Atl re: Josh Smith, pretty good indication Hawks not in love w/ deals elsewhere.

Truthfully, the Hawks don't have to move Smith now. They can move him via a sign-and-trade over the summer in hopes of snagging a better return.

Of course, there's a certain level of risk involved there too. Smith could just leave to play where he wants or leverage Atlanta into trading him for an underwhelming package to the team of his choosing—as long as he's willing to ink a deal outside of a trade.

While the Hawks haven't been impressed with any offers as of late, it would be more surprising to see Smith still with the team by the deadline.

That said, this is the NBA we're talking about, so anything (and I mean anything) is possible.

Local 6 Sports Director David Pingalore has learned through mulitple NBA sources that the Magic have no plans of trading J.J. Redick by Thursday's 3 p.m. trade deadline.

Pingalore is reporting this on the heels of a story that has surfaced by Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated saying, "I think J.J. Redick gets moved. I think Orlando sort of sifts through the offers and come Thursday early afternoon will take the best one on the table."

Pingalore was told by sources the DeVos family is adamant to keep Redick in a Magic uniform and potentially sign him to a long term deal this summer.

There's definitely a case to be made for either course of action here.

Orlando could hold onto Redick, its best asset, and re-sign him this summer or trade him now if it doesn't believe he factors in to its future. The Magic call also remain in a holding pattern until the offseason, when they can move him in a sign-and-trade.

It looks like we're headed for a conflictive finish to this ongoing saga, so pay attention as we inch closer to the deadline.

You have to side with Houston here. Chandler Parsons is a deep ball stud and while Omer Asik is still a work in progress, the Rockets lack size outside of him.

Should the Atlanta Hawks ultimately come down on their asking price, though, keep an eye on Houston. Darryl Morey and company have plenty of cap space, draft picks and assets in general.

And as we've seen already, they're not afraid to use them.

---End of update---

Monta Ellis "very" Available?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 9:00 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

Per our good friend Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated once again, the Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly made Monta Ellis "very" much available:

The Bucks have made it clear that Brandon Jennings will not be traded, and that they will match any offer for him this offseason. Monta Ellis, however, is very available. A likely free-agent-to-be -- Ellis has can forego the final year (and $11 million) on his deal this summer -- Ellis won't be back in Milwaukee, and the Bucks would love to pry Smith away from Atlanta in a deal built around Ellis, an NBA source said.

No surprises here. Ellis remains predominantly inefficient and hasn't proved to complement Brandon Jennings in the manner he was supposed to.

Though I believe the Bucks won't want to overpay for Jennings this summer in restricted free agency, you have to pick him over Ellis.

Plus, who wouldn't want to move Ellis in favor of a player like Josh Smith?

---End of update---

Goodbye J.J. Redick?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 8:55 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated is reporting that the Orlando Magic are more than likely going to trade J.J. Redick:

Redick likely to go. Orlando loves Redick, who has been a played instrumental roles for the rebuilding Magic this year both on the court (career best 15.2 points per game) and in the locker room. Redick wants to stay, too, but his asking price next season ($7 to $10 million over four years) is too steep for Orlando, which will likely look for younger, cheaper alternatives as they develop their top talent. Milwaukee is high on Redick, though the Magic are seeking a first-round pick. Expect interest in Redick to increase on Thursday; Redick's ability to come off the bench and score would help every team in the league.

Mostly, this echoes much of what we have heard thus far. As Redick's stock has increased, though, so has his price tag for this coming summer.

For a rebuilding team like the Magic, investing $7 to $10 million annually in a complementary shooter and playmaker makes little sense. It makes more sense to trade him now for a potential asset and guaranteed draft pick.

Though many doubt Smith's status as a superstar, the Hawks don't seem likely to receive an overwhelming package for his services. And if that's the case, why keep him in the conference? So that they can face him up to four times a year?

Somewhere, Mikhail Prokhorov is curled up in a ball.

Teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks shouldn't give up hope just yet, though, because Atlanta still has to find a Western Conference taker willing to meet their price (the Phoenix Suns?).

---End of update---

Iman Shumpert in, Ronnie Brewer and Steve Novak out?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 8:40 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

After being pummeled by the Indiana Pacers, the cries for the New York Knicks to make a trade could be heard around the world. Well, maybe not, but you get the point.

Any such move seemed likely to include second-year defensive stud Iman Shumpert, who's name has traipsed its way in and out of the rumor mill lately.

There had been talk that the New York Knicks were exploring deals involving second-year guard Iman Shumpert. However, Knicks sources say Carmelo Anthony chimed in with ownership urging them to look at other options. Enter Ronnie Brewer.

The Knicks have been shopping both Brewer and sharp shooter Steve Novak hoping to add one more piece to the roster for a stretch run in the postseason.

Melo gets what he wants, the Knicks roster and coaching staff is living proof of that. If he doesn't want the team to trade Shumpet, they won't.

I am left wondering, however, if he is similarly loyal to Steve Novak and Ronnie Brewer.

Brewer has all but fallen out of the rotation, so his departure seems inevitable. Novak, however, helps spread the floor for Anthony in ways that Shumpert and others can't. Unless there's another shooter involved, it wouldn't surprise me to see Melo intervene there too.

Regardless, don't expect the Knicks to make any major moves (for a change). Anthony appears content with the roster and loss against the Pacers aside, both he and coach Mike Woodson won't want to do anything to shake the current dynamic up.

---End of update---

Denver Nuggets unwilling to make a move?

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 8:30 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

The Denver Nuggets have plenty of talent on their roster, but don't appear to willing to trade any of it.

Teams like Denver's players. General Manager Masai Ujiri, who is quickly emerging as one of the brightest young minds in basketball, has put together a strong group of young talent, headlined by Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Ty Lawson, Andre Iguodala and JaVale McGee. The Nuggets likely are one piece -- or the development of one player -- away from being true title contenders, but one Western Conference executive says there have been no indications yet that Ujiri is willing to part with any of his top pieces before the deadline.

I like the thinking of Denver's general manager, Masai Ujirir, here.

The Nuggets are fifth in the Western Conference and have the ability to toil with contention as is. Rather than disrupt team chemistry with a major move now, waiting to see how far they can go and then making the necessary adjustments over the offseason is both safer and smarter.

Of course, if the right deal comes along, I believe Ujirir won't hesitate to pull the trigger. He never has in the past.

---End of update---

Brooklyn searching for some help to land Josh Smith

UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 21, 8:25 a.m. ET by Dan Favale

At a time when everything we here is laced with ambivalence, one thing remains an unequivocal fact: The Brooklyn Nets are a persistent bunch.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Nets are still heavily pursuing Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks and will continue to scour the league for a third (or fourth) team to help facilitate a deal:

The consistent word circulating in front-office circles late Wednesday was that Atlanta has yet to find a deal it likes for Smith in a down market, despite the determined pursuit of the Brooklyn Nets and consistent (but conditional) interest from Milwaukee and Boston.

The Nets, sources say, will continue Thursday to search for a third team to help facilitate a deal for Smith, since Atlanta has made it clear that it wants no part of Kris Humphries.

Atlanta's distaste for Kris Humphries isn't surprising. He's struggled to find a consistent role in P.J. Carlesimo's rotation and is owed $12 million next season. Finding another team to take him on is the only way to go for the Nets.

The problem there is I'm not exactly sure what team will both take him on and then be willing to send a Smith-worthy type piece back to the Hawks.

While the search for additional teams is the logical move for the Nets, it's tough to believe they'll find an enthusiastic partner with Humphries as the primary bait.